A 23-year-old from Westonaria was crowned Miss Westrand Exclusive and Charity Queen at Silverstar.

Neliswa Cekiso recently graduated from the University of Johannesburg with two qualifications in project management, and since her crowing she has been busy with local pageants that require her to help with judging, crowning and empowering young girls as a motivator in their respective competitions.

“I have been doing interviews about the impact I’ll have on young girls and boys in the community during my reign.”

Currently she is a reading champion at Laerskool Venterspos Primary where she teaches reading to Grades 4 to 6 pupils to help them develop a passion for it and expand their imagination through stories.

She’s determined to make a difference in young lives and change the narrative of the struggles in black children’s lives.

I want to set a higher goal to every young woman and boy who has met me, to show them that anything in this life is possible as long as you don’t settle for the bare minimum standards in society.”

According to Cekiso, she will be using her crown to be a voice to make a difference and the most important title for her is being a charity queen because that is closest to her heart – making as many small differences as she can.

“I will be expanding my activities in community work and wellness, be socially responsible by donating and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and my hopes for the future when it comes to modelling are to enter for Miss South Africa one day.

“I think being on a bigger platform would allow me to reach my full potential because I would be learning so much and the challenge would only allow me to grow.”

She is a force to be reckoned with – a beauty with brains and a goal-setter.